Difference between revisions of "Mentifact"
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− | Mentifacts | + | Term coined by [[Sir Julian Sorell Huxley]], used together with the related terms "[[sociofact]]" and "[[Artifacts|artifact]]" to describe how cultural traits take on a life of their own, spanning over generations. This [[idea]] is related to [[memetics]]. Mentifacts represent the [[ideas]] and [[beliefs]] of a [[culture]], as in [[religion]], [[language]] or [[law]]. |
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+ | ==Examples== | ||
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+ | *The ancient [[Aztecs]] sacrificed hundreds of thousands of people for their religion; Sunday is considered a day of rest in most [[Christian]] cultures. | ||
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+ | *[[Language]]s adapt to suit a particular culture. [[Eskimos]] lives are dominated by living primarily in the snow and ice. Their language has over fifty words to describe different types of snow. [[English]]-speakers would be at a loss to describe all of the types of snow in the English language as snow isn't considered as important. | ||
[[Category: General Reference]] | [[Category: General Reference]] |
Revision as of 00:27, 10 May 2009
Term coined by Sir Julian Sorell Huxley, used together with the related terms "sociofact" and "artifact" to describe how cultural traits take on a life of their own, spanning over generations. This idea is related to memetics. Mentifacts represent the ideas and beliefs of a culture, as in religion, language or law.
Examples
- The ancient Aztecs sacrificed hundreds of thousands of people for their religion; Sunday is considered a day of rest in most Christian cultures.
- Languages adapt to suit a particular culture. Eskimos lives are dominated by living primarily in the snow and ice. Their language has over fifty words to describe different types of snow. English-speakers would be at a loss to describe all of the types of snow in the English language as snow isn't considered as important.